Secure Delete service for OS X Finder

What Does It Do?

Allows you to instantly, securely delete selected files from the Finder. This is often quicker and more convenient than dragging to the Trash, then selecting Secure Empty Trash.

How to Install

Unzip the downloaded file and drag the resulting .workflow service into your ~/Library/Services folder.

How to Use

Select the files in Finder you wish to delete, then choose Secure Delete from the Services menu (Finder→Services or Ctrl-click→Services). You will be asked for confirmation before deleting.

How secure is it?

The service uses the common 7-pass method to overwrite your files, using a different pattern each time: 0xF6, 0x00, 0xFF, random, 0x00, 0xFF, random.

Can I trust it?

Probably not if the files are stored on an SSD. Otherwise, yes: as much as you can trust OS X’s built-in srm command, as that’s what it uses. To see the Automator/shell script source for yourself, you can just open the .workflow file in Automator.app. Note: As the .workflow bundle is not currently code signed, you may need to use the Ctrl-click→Open method to open it in Automator. Alternatively, you can just use open Automator first, and File→Open it from there.

That said: this software is provided “as is”, and you use it entirely at your own risk. In case it’s not obvious, just to reiterate: its only purpose is to irretrievably delete files. If you don’t have at least two backups of every file you care about that you might accidentally delete for any reason—such as by using this software—it’s probably best not to download it. Or any other software. Just step away from the computer now, and read a good book instead.